Editor’s Note: School administrators issued the following statements after a student was taken into custody for making alleged threats against the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy.
READ Habersham student taken into custody after making alleged threats against school
Statement from Habersham Ninth Grade Academy Principal Connie Franklin:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
HNGA is committed to providing a safe environment for our students and staff. I believe open communication between the school and parents is vital for this to happen. For this reason, I want to make you aware of a situation.
This week it came to our attention that a student made some comments deemed as threatening against the school. As with all matters of student safety, we have taken this very seriously and have acted accordingly. The incident was thoroughly investigated by school administration and local law enforcement. On Friday, the juvenile was taken into custody by law enforcement and also faces serious disciplinary consequences. As your principal, I can assure you that I will not permit any student to attend school that could pose a threat to students or staff.
The safety of our students and staff are our highest priority. We will continue to be vigilant in implementing and improving our safety procedures and policies. We urge parents to speak to their students about reporting any information that compromises their safety and the safety of others.
Working together we can maintain a safe environment where students can focus on learning. As always, if you have questions or concerns please call or email me as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Connie Franklin Principal, HNGA
Statement from Habersham County Superintendent of Schools Matthew Cooper:
This week, it came to the attention of school administrators and law enforcement that a juvenile student at Habersham Ninth Grade Academy spoke words deemed as threatening against the school. The matter was investigated thoroughly by school officials and local law enforcement. On Friday, the juvenile was taken into custody by law enforcement and also faces serious disciplinary consequences from the school system. Our parents can rest assured that we will not permit any student to attend school that could pose a threat to students or staff.
In the Habersham County School System we will investigate any real or perceived threats to our students, staff or schools. We will always involve law enforcement and other resources in our investigations. Any student who makes threats, whether real or not, will be subject to the most severe disciplinary consequences, including when necessary, complete expulsion from school. Our school system receives exceptional cooperation from our local law enforcement agencies as they stand ready to deal with anyone that makes threats with their words or actions.
We continue to urge students, parents, and community members to immediately report any concerns to a school administrator or local law enforcement agency. As a father who has children in our school system, I understand the concerns and anxiety of parents. I trust that our school system’s proactive stance on safety will bring some comfort to those concerned. I will continue to pray daily for the safety of our students, staff, and community.
Matthew Cooper
Habersham County Superintendent of Schools
